The Inland Manufacturing Division of General Motors produced over 2.5 million M1 carbines during World War II. One of the subcontractors providing parts for these carbines was the Plainfield Machine Company. While Inland Manufacturing assembled the final product, components like receivers, bolts, and triggers, often came from various subcontractors like Plainfield. A carbine with Plainfield-manufactured parts represents a specific piece of this wartime production network.
Understanding the role of subcontractors like Plainfield Machine Company is essential for a comprehensive picture of wartime production and the M1 carbine’s history. These companies contributed significantly to the rapid scaling of production required to equip American forces. Studying the markings and variations in parts manufactured by these subcontractors allows collectors and historians to trace the provenance and history of individual carbines. This intricate network of manufacturers played a crucial role in the war effort and left a legacy that continues to fascinate collectors and historians today.
